Stovetop Honey Garlic Chicken

This Stovetop Honey Garlic Chicken recipe serves up the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce and cooked to golden brown perfection, this easy recipe is packed with big flavor and is so easy to make.

What Makes This Honey Garlic Chicken Irresistible?

While I stand by my other chicken dishes like Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders and Best Damn Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, this sweet n’ sticky honey garlic chicken has become my weeknight go-to because it’s so easy and always hits the spot.

This 6-ingredient hot honey sauce only takes 10 minutes to whip up and keeps things really simple. With a quick cooking time and basic sauce ingredients, you’ve got a dish that brings so much flavor with so little effort.

Enjoy it as is, toss it over rice, or add to sandwiches, wraps, or salads for an easy meal.

​Made with Simple Ingredients

• Olive oil: For getting that chicken nice n’ crispy.
• Chicken breast or thighs: I prefer the dark meat of the thighs for this recipe, as it stays juicier and more flavorful when cooked. 
• Onion & garlic: Classic aromatics that add depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Honey: This is what creates a super sweet and sticky sauce for the chicken.
• Sugar: For a little extra sweetness and caramelization.
• Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• Seasoning: Seasoning: I use a combo of crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to season the chicken.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
• Water: Mix this with the cornstarch to make a slurry.

Let the Chicken Sizzle

Warm up a large skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Drizzle in some olive oil and give the pan a quick swirl to coat.  

Toss in the diced chicken and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s golden on the outside.  

Next, add the diced onion and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and the chicken is nearly cooked through. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it smells amazing.

Make It Saucy

Toss the soy sauce, honey, sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 3 minutes so the sauce starts to thicken up.  

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour it into the skillet while stirring nonstop until the sauce thickens.  

Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is done and hits an internal temp of 165°F.

Dish Up & Devour

Time to eat! Take your chicken off the heat, plate it up, and drizzle that sauce on top. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Finish your dish with these simple, flavorful toppings:  

• Green onions  
• Sesame seeds  
• Cilantro leaves
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Lime wedges for a citrus kick

Turn It into a Feast: Sides for a Complete Meal

For a foolproof pairing, try this honey garlic chicken with sticky white rice or my Instant Pot Brown Rice. It’s hands-off, nutty, and soaks up the extra sauce like a dream. Prefer something lighter? Cauliflower rice works beautifully for a low-carb option.

Vegetables are non-negotiable here, and my Easy Stovetop Sautéed Green Beans add the perfect crisp-tender contrast. (Bonus: They cook in the same pan while your chicken rests!) 

Storage and Reheating

If you’ve got leftover honey garlic chicken, place it in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat for 5 minutes.

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